Hugo Lloris has warned his Tottenham team-mates to forget the title and start worrying about finishing in this season's top four.

Spurs skipper Lloris feels runaway leaders Manchester City are already out of reach following Saturday's north London derby defeat , but also admitted some people are getting carried away with his side being genuine contenders this season.

Tottenham have not won at one of their top six rivals since victory away to Manchester City in February 2016 and are now 11 points behind Pep Guardiola’s pace-setters.

Goalkeeper Lloris said: “Before we think about City it’s important to stay in the top four. This is the main target for our team.

Lloris throws up his hands in despair following Arsenal's second goal... (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

...Spurs now haven't won away to a top-six rival in approaching two years (Image: Reuters)

“We heard from outside that Tottenham play for the title, blah, blah, blah. The most important thing is to stay consistent in the League.

“We have been in the top four the last two years and we need to carry on, to settle the club in this position and try to get more experience because the team is still young, then reduce the gap with the best.

“Obviously the future for Tottenham will be bright if we keep the same mentality. It’s our ambition, but step by step.

Tottenham's coronation as new kings of north London football will have to wait (Image: PA Wire)

“It’s true that we wanted to do more against Manchester United and Arsenal. Unfortunately we couldn’t do that so now it’s important to have a run of victories because we need to keep our place at the top.”

Despite Mauricio Pochettino’s impressive work at Tottenham, they are missing big statement victories at top rivals and, as a club, they have won just four of their last 86 games away to Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

But Lloris insists their home form is more important as he bemoaned bad luck and referee Mike Dean as the reason they lost at Arsenal.

Lloris added: “The most important thing is to win at home, to get the points. Away you try to get whatever you can. Obviously we were very disappointed against Man United and Arsenal was a bit similar because in terms of performance it’s difficult to blame the players.

“The spirit was good, we were in the fight and able to develop our game with the ball in the floor. But in the final third we need more aggression and movement. It doesn’t belong to one player. It’s three or four offensively.

“But they do so well, it’s difficult. The opponent was once again a great opponent, defensively they were very strong individually. Then it’s about little details. It didn’t go our way, the ref’s decisions. Now we need to carry on.”